65th Ordination Anniversary of Fr. Stephen Dutko

April, 26, 2007

BINGHAMTON, NY - One of the oldest and still functioning Orthodox priests in the diocese, in the United States and in the world is the Very Rev. Protopresbyter Stephen Dutko, pastor emeritus of St. Michael's church here. Having marked his 90th birthday on January 3, he is now celebrating the 65th anniversary of his Ordination to the Holy Priesthood.

His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas, will join faithful at St. Michael's on Sunday, May 6th to share in the joy of this historic jubilee.

Father Stephen will be the celebrant of the Divine Liturgy that morning, which will begin at 10 AM. Metropolitan Nicholas will preside, and will deliver the homily, as well as archpastoral greetings from His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, and His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios, primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in America and exarch of the Ecumenical Throne.

A Jubilee Banquet honoring Father Stephen will begin at St. Michael's Recreation Center at 12 Noon. The traditional homestyle meal by St. Michael's kitchen staff will feature Roast Turkey, Holubki and all the trimmings. Reservations must be made by calling the church office at 729-0261 by April 30. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students, and no charge for children eight and younger.

Fr. Stephen was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by His Eminence, the late Metropolitan Orestes at St. John's Church, Bridgeport, CT on May 10, 1942. He was the first pastor of St. Mary's in Buffalo from 1942-1947, when he assigned pastor of St. Michael's in Freeland, PA. He served as pastor of St. Michael's in Binghamton from September, 1961-July, 1991, when he assumed his present role as pastor emeritus.

A founding member and pastor director of the Diocesan Altar Boys' Retreat program, he also served as a member of the diocesan consistory for more than 25 years.

Those who wish to send greetings to Fr. Stephen may do so at the following address: